AUSTIN, Texas — A Texas judge has ruled that Infowars, the far-right media platform owned by Alex Jones, may be sold to help settle the substantial debt he owes to victims’ families from the Sandy Hook shooting. This decision comes after years of legal battles related to defamation claims against Jones, who has been accused of perpetuating conspiracy theories surrounding the tragic event.
In a hearing on Wednesday, Judge Maya Guerra Gamble ordered that Free Speech Systems, the parent company of Infowars, be handed over to a court-appointed receiver. This receiver will oversee the sale of the company’s assets, directing the proceeds toward compensating families affected by the 2012 shooting, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including 20 children.
The ruling also reopens the door for The Onion, a satirical news outlet, to pursue its bid for acquiring Infowars. Last year, The Onion had succeeded in winning an auction for the parent company, with backing from Sandy Hook families, but a federal bankruptcy judge later halted the sale due to concerns about the auction process.
Jones, who was found liable for defamation in a 2022 trial, has yet to pay any of the over $1 billion in damages awarded to the families. In his first comments following the ruling, he expressed frustration but acknowledged that Infowars might have to cease operations. Despite the ruling, Jones remains free to broadcast his show, albeit under a different branding, as he has indicated he intends to do.
The ruling was celebrated by attorneys representing the victims’ families, who see it as a significant step toward ensuring accountability for Jones’ longstanding actions. Chris Mattei, an attorney for the Connecticut families, emphasized the importance of the order in pursuing justice for the harm caused. Mark Bankston, who represents families in Texas, echoed this sentiment, expressing relief that the ruling would lead to accountability for what he termed “monstrously cruel harassment.”
The Onion had plans to transform Infowars into a platform for commentary that critiques right-wing conspiracy media, with intentions for an advertising partnership with Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit advocating for gun control.
While The Onion has not made any statements regarding the latest developments, previous remarks indicate that they are keeping all options open as they seek to finalize the acquisition.
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